NBA Notes: Bucks, Tyler Herro, Thunder, DeMar DeRozan, Wizards

Bucks

For the Bucks, the Giannis Antetokounmpo era is officially over.

With the blockbuster trade to Miami now complete, Tre Allen of Bucks on SI took a look at what comes next for the franchise, and there’s plenty for Milwaukee fans to be optimistic about despite losing arguably the greatest player in team history.

The return package starts with Tyler Herro, who could become Milwaukee’s primary scorer if he isn’t moved in another deal. Jaime Jaquez Jr. is coming off the best season of his career, while 7-footer Kel’el Ware may have the highest ceiling of anyone the Bucks acquired.

Allen also pointed to rookie guard Kasparas Jakucionis as a player worth watching. The former Heat prospect already has impressed while playing for Lithuania this summer and remains one of the younger pieces in Milwaukee’s rebuild.

The Bucks also added lottery picks Brayden Burries and Nate Ament in the deal’s aftermath, giving the organization a foundation built around youth instead of one superstar.

Replacing Giannis isn’t possible. Building the next core has officially begun.

Thunder

Could DeMar DeRozan be Oklahoma City’s next veteran addition?

Ivan White of Thunder on SI believes it’s at least worth discussing after the Kings waived the six-time All-Star earlier Monday.

White noted that the Thunder already have a championship-caliber foundation led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander but could still use another proven scorer off the bench, especially if DeRozan is willing to accept a reduced role on a contender.

There are obvious questions.

DeRozan has started nearly every game of his NBA career, and Oklahoma City likely couldn’t promise him a spot in the opening lineup. White also wondered whether general manager Sam Presti would hesitate after the Gordon Hayward experiment failed to produce much of an impact.

Still, proven scorers don’t become available every day.

If the price is right, DeRozan could become an intriguing option for one of the Western Conference favorites.

Wizards

The Wizards may not be finished after acquiring Deandre Ayton.

Henry Brown of Wizards on SI wrote that Washington’s surprise trade for the former No. 1 overall pick addressed one need while shifting attention to a few others.

Brown believes Ayton gives the Wizards much-needed size and depth behind Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr, creating a stronger frontcourt than the team has fielded in recent years. The move also leaves Washington with financial flexibility, including room under the tax line and access to the full mid-level exception.

According to Brown, that could lead the Wizards to pursue another ballhandler before training camp.

Russell Westbrook, Gabe Vincent and Aaron Holiday were among the names mentioned as possible fits, while longtime veteran Anthony Gill also remains a candidate to return because of his leadership and influence in the locker room.

The Wizards have already reshaped their roster this summer. Brown’s feeling is they may not be done just yet.